Modular multi-functional and reusable three-dimensional worksurface for robot automation

A method comprising:

• creating a multi-body platform, including:
• connecting a plurality of surface plates on a base plate to create a tessellated worksurface for use by at least one of a robot, a component or an instrument for use in an automation process, wherein the base plate further comprises an array of cavities, each cavity configured to permit passage and installation of a plurality of different mechanical and electrical components and instruments therein, wherein the plurality of surface plates and the plurality of different mechanical and electrical components and instruments are each reconfigurable and reusable on the base plate to adapt the base plate and the array of cavities to different automation requirements, the connecting step further including:
• affixing the plurality of surface plates to the base plate using guide pins, wherein each surface plate is arranged to cover only one respective cavity of the array of cavities and the surface plates collectively form the tessellated worksurface over the base plate and above the array of cavities;
• and
• mounting at least one robot to the multi-body platform by positioning the robot and its components onto the tessellated worksurface created by the surface plates.